Thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer specialists at Duke have performed thousands of thyroid cancer surgeries. We test new treatments, and help to set the national guidelines for treating thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer. We use the latest medical and surgical advances to tailor your treatment of thyroid cancer. Our goal is to cure your cancer — or remove as much of the cancer as possible — so you can resume your normal activities.

Latest advances in thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer can be cured if it is caught early and treated promptly. Our experienced endocrine surgeons, head and neck (ENT) surgeons, and thyroid cancer specialists are experts in differentiating between benign thyroid nodules and thyroid cancers, including papillary, follicular, Hurthle cell, medullary or anaplastic types. We use the latest medical advances, and minimal access surgical techniques to ensure your thyroid cancer is treated quickly and effectively.

Choose Duke for your thyroid cancer treatment because we offer:

Nationally ranked cancer program. We are consistently ranked among the best cancer programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. In addition, as a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, our thyroid cancer team is recognized for exploring new treatment opportunities through ongoing clinical trials. We offer you the latest research discoveries before they are available elsewhere.

A team approach. Your team may include board-certified surgeons and endocrinologists as well as medical and radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine specialists, cytopathologists, nutritionists and integrative medicine specialists. We've made it possible for you to see your team, and undergo appropriate testing on one convenient day. Studies across the world demonstrate that receiving medical care from an organized team of multiple specialists results in better outcomes. Our specialists meet weekly to discuss patients, develop optimal care plans, and offer advanced surgical, medical and follow up care.

Removal of cancer that has spread to other areas of the neck (neck dissections). May be necessary when cancers spread to lymph nodes or organs in the neck.

Re-operations. For recurrent tumors or goiters in previously operated necks.

THYROID CANCER
Tests

Our specialists perform a variety of tests to accurately determine the type, location, and stage of your cancer. This allows us to plan the most effective treatment plan, optimized to your individual needs.

Blood tests

Measure thyroid function and help identify thyroid dysfunction.

Detailed imaging

Surgeon- or radiologist-directed ultrasound imaging of the neck pinpoints the location, size and extent of the tumor and any possible spread to adjacent lymph nodes.

Fine needle biopsy

An ultrasound-guided fine needle is used to biopsy thyroid nodules and determine if cancer is present. If necessary, molecular testing of thyroid biopsies may be used to rule out cancer and to avoid an operation. Molecular testing can also identify certain mutations, such as BRAF V600E. The results can help the surgeon select the most appropriate type of procedure and tailor treatment.

Laryngoscopy

Checks whether the vocal cords move normally and helps identify if tumors have spread to the nerves moving the vocal cords.

Advanced imaging

Radioactive iodine scans, CTs, or, more seldomly, PET-CTs, may be performed after surgery to determine if the cancer has been completely removed.

Hereditary cancer

Genetic counseling may be recommended when inherited thyroid cancers and related cancers are suspected. Learn more about our hereditary cancer clinic.